hip pain result meanings for patients

Overview

Hip pain is discomfort or soreness in or around the hip joint. When you get a hip pain result from a test like an X-ray or MRI, it means a doctor has looked at the images and found something that might explain your pain. This could be a sign of a common condition like arthritis, a strain, or a minor injury.

Hip pain is very common. Many people experience it at some point in their lives, especially as they get older.

Hip pain can affect people of all ages, but it is more common in older adults, athletes, and people who have jobs that involve heavy lifting or long periods of standing.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Aching or sharp pain in the hip, groin, or thigh.
• Stiffness or reduced range of motion in the hip.
• Pain that gets worse with walking, running, or sitting for a long time.
• Clicking or popping sensation in the hip.
• Swelling or tenderness around the hip joint.

Symptoms in children

• Limping or refusing to walk or crawl.
• Pain in the hip, thigh, or knee that wakes them up at night.
• Unexplained fever with hip pain (could be an infection).
• Holding the leg in an unusual position.

Symptoms in older adults

• Gradual onset of hip stiffness and pain, especially in the morning.
• Pain that makes it hard to get up from a chair or climb stairs.
• Reduced ability to move the hip fully.
• Feeling a grating sensation in the joint.

Causes

Main causes

• Osteoarthritis: wear and tear of the cartilage in the hip joint.
• Bursitis: inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joint.
• Tendonitis: inflammation of the tendons around the hip.
• Hip fracture: a break in the thigh bone near the hip, often from a fall.
• Labral tear: a tear in the ring of cartilage that surrounds the hip socket.
• Muscle strain: overstretching or tearing of muscles around the hip.

Risk factors

• Age: older adults are more likely to have osteoarthritis or fractures.
• Obesity: extra weight puts more stress on the hip joint.
• Occupations or sports that involve repetitive hip movements or heavy lifting.
• Previous hip injury or surgery.
• Poor posture or walking patterns.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have sudden, severe hip pain after an injury and cannot move your leg.
• You have signs of infection: fever, redness, or warmth around the hip.
• You cannot put any weight on the affected leg.
• The hip looks deformed or out of place.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Hip pain that lasts more than a week despite rest and home care.
• Pain that interferes with your daily activities or sleep.
• You have a history of cancer and develop new hip pain.
• You notice a limp or change in the way you walk.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will start by asking about your symptoms, medical history, and how the pain started. They will then examine your hip, checking for tenderness, swelling, and range of motion. Based on this, they may order tests to confirm the cause.

Tests that may be done

• X-ray: looks at the bones for fractures or signs of arthritis.
• MRI: provides detailed images of soft tissues like cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
• Ultrasound: can show fluid buildup or inflammation in tendons or bursae.
• Blood tests: may be done to check for infection or inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

What to expect at your appointment

During the exam, the doctor will press on different parts of your hip and ask you to move your leg in certain ways. This may cause some discomfort but helps pinpoint the problem. Imaging tests are painless and usually take about 15-30 minutes. Your doctor will review the results with you and explain what they mean in plain language.

Treatment

Treatment for hip pain depends on the cause. Most cases can be managed with simple measures at home. If needed, your doctor can suggest other treatments to relieve pain and help you move better.

Self-care at home

• Rest the hip and avoid activities that make the pain worse for a few days.
• Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling.
• Use heat packs (after the first 48 hours) to relax tight muscles.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed by a pharmacist or doctor.
• Gently stretch the hip muscles, but stop if it hurts.

Medical treatments

If self-care is not enough, a doctor may recommend physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the hip and improve flexibility. They might also suggest prescription pain relief or anti-inflammatory medications, or inject a corticosteroid into the joint to reduce inflammation. Always follow your healthcare provider's advice on treatment.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is usually considered only if other treatments have not helped and the pain is severe. Common procedures include hip replacement (for advanced arthritis) or arthroscopy (for labral tears or removing loose fragments). Your doctor will discuss the options and help you weigh the benefits and risks.

Living with this condition

Living with hip pain can be challenging, but many people manage well by making small changes. Use a cane or walker if needed, take breaks during long periods of standing, and avoid sitting on low chairs that put strain on the hip. Pace yourself and listen to your body.

Lifestyle tips

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the hip.
• Avoid high-impact activities like running on hard surfaces if they cause pain.
• Choose low-impact exercises such as swimming, cycling, or walking on soft ground.
• Wear supportive shoes with good cushioning.
• Adjust your work setup to avoid prolonged sitting or standing.

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can help keep your bones strong. Gentle exercise, like stretching and strengthening, can improve joint stability and reduce pain. A physiotherapist can design a safe exercise plan for you.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Chronic hip pain can affect your mood and lead to frustration or depression. It is normal to feel down when pain limits your activities. Talk to your doctor if you feel overwhelmed, as they can connect you with support services.

Prevention

Not all hip pain can be prevented, but you can reduce your risk by staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and using proper body mechanics when lifting or exercising. Also, wear appropriate footwear and avoid sudden increases in activity intensity.

Complications

If left untreated

• Chronic pain that limits daily activities and quality of life.
• Muscle weakness and imbalance due to favoring the painful hip.
• Progression of underlying conditions like arthritis.
• Increased risk of falls and fractures from reduced mobility.

Long-term outlook

Most hip pain gets better with simple treatments and time. Even for more serious causes like arthritis, there are many effective options to manage symptoms and keep you active. With the right care, most people can maintain a good quality of life.

Find support

Local organisations

• NHS Hip Pain Advice ↗ · United Kingdom

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